Sometimes we see people shining lights across farm fields or other rural areas. But what does the law say about this practice? The straight scoop from Michigan DNR’s website follows:
Artificial Lights and Shining
It is illegal to use an artificial light (including vehicle headlights) to locate wild animals at any time during November and all other days of the year between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. It is illegal to use an artificial light on a highway or in a field, wetland, woodland or forest while having in your possession or control a bow and arrow, firearm or other device capable of shooting a projectile.
Exception: This prohibition does not apply to pistols carried under the authority of a concealed pistol license or properly carried under authority of a specific exemption from the requirement of a concealed pistol license. This does not authorize the individual to use the pistol to take game except as provided by law.
An artificial light may be used from Nov. 1-30 on property you own or property owned by a member of your immediate family if you do not have in your possession or control a bow and arrow, firearm or other device capable of shooting a projectile.
It is a violation of federal law to shine at any time on any national wildlife refuge. Deer hunters may use an artificial light one hour before and one hour after shooting hours while carrying an unloaded firearm or bow and arrow when traveling on foot to or from their hunting location.
Persons not possessing a firearm or bow and arrow while traveling on foot may use lights during dog training or field trials to follow dogs chasing raccoon, opossum or fox. A lighted pin sight on a bow or a scope with illuminated crosshairs may be used to hunt game during legal hunting hours.
Note:If you are using an artificial light to locate game, you must immediately stop your vehicle when signaled by a uniformed officer or marked patrol vehicle.
